School began Tuesday for my district and while summer slips away from my gripping fingertips, new class lists became a priority tonight! I just finished typing a menagerie of new class lists like lunch count, emergency binder, homework checker, etc. I've written, typed, and bubble-lettered my new student's names so many times that I have them memorized! But, while I'm adding the new names to my old lists, that familiar feeling of mourning hits me hard because I will miss my old class and the family we created last year.
Every teacher can attest to the transformation that occurs over the course of a school year as you take your new cherubs and mold and shape their young minds. The newbies that enter my classroom in the beginning of the year are literally strangers. It takes months to gently guide and encourage them as they embrace my teaching style, expectations, and sense of humor. But when they leave in June, I can honestly say that I know each and every one of them personally. I know when they don't feel good, or when they need a hug, or encouragement. The classroom develops a personality of its own and sometimes, no words are needed as the kids anticipate my next move.
So, this eighth new school year holds promise of another great group of kids. We will build our classroom family one day at a time. Visits from last years kids as well as the year before that warm my heart. You know you have reached a student on some level when they return to share their accomplishments with you...it's why I teach ... to make a difference.
